Healthy Recipes for Summer

With global travel restrictions in place as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, this year, summer doesn't look much like what we've come to expect. Instead of exciting trips and new adventures, most of us are staying close to home this year. Even as we grapple with circumstances beyond our control, though, there are some things we can look forward to, like fresh summer produce and time spent outside with our families.

If you're planning a safe outdoor barbeque, just leave the meal planning to us. TRANSCEND has the perfect recipes to celebrate the season while sticking to your health goals!

Aegean Salad

Incorporating leafy greens into your diet doesn't mean your food has to taste bland and boring. Arugula is rich in nutrients and adds a touch of spice to mixed greens.

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 bunch arugula
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 6 sprigs spearmint
• 2 cloves garlic
• 16 kalamata olives
• 1/8 cup crumbled feta cheese

In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, and bell pepper. In a food processor, whirl the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, mint, and garlic. Pour the olive oil mixture over the salad and top with olives and cheese.

Ginger Turkey Burgers

Fresh ginger provides the optimum flavor because the oils are released when the dish is being made. Mushroom add texture to the ground turkey and lend their own meatiness to these patties. These can be served over shirataki noodles or spinach greens for a low-carb delicacy.

• 1 1/4 pounds extra-lean ground turkey
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2" piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, onion, mushroom, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. With clean heads, gently mix until thoroughly combined. Form into 6 patties.

Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of each patty registers 165°F.

Fruit Kabobs

These playful skewers make a refreshing and visually appealing side dish for summer parties. This is a healthy sweet treat to bring that will surprise and delight. 

• 1 pineapple
• 1 seedless watermelon (small)
• 2 limes
• 1 lb red or black seedless grapes (organic)
• Sprig of mint 

Peel and core pineapple, then cut into 1″ chunks. Cut watermelon into 1.5″ chunks, and rinse grapes. Blend grated zest from one lime, juice of both limes, and torn mint leaves until well mixed. Thread fruit pieces on skewer sticks. Place in bowl and drizzle with juice mixture. Cover. Can be served immediately, but flavor is best if marinated overnight.